Doncaster in Bloom
Doncaster in Bloom is an annual horticultural and gardening competition which has been running since 1990 and is open to individuals, groups and businesses in the borough. The competition incorporates the Allotment of the Year which has been running since 1975. New in 2019 was the Community Champions award which we will continue to award.
UNFORTUNATELY WE ARE UNABLE TO HOLD THE COMPETITION IN 2023 DUE TO TIME CONSTRAINTS, FINGERS AND SECATEURS CROSSED FOR 2024
Do you think you could compete, are you proud of your floral displays?
Doncaster in Bloom is an annual gardening competition which is open to all individuals, schools, community groups and businesses within the Doncaster Borough. There are categories for everyone including the Unusual Container category to get the creativity going. The size of the garden is not important as the entries are judged also on creativity, colour and originality.
Entrants are encouraged to enhance their environment not only through horticulture and new to 2019 was the Community Champions category which acknowledges the hard work and dedication of members of the public who carry out work which improves local areas for the benefit of the community whilst not necessarily involving planting, we will be continuing this category.
Gardening is a unique form of exercise that allows users to do something calming, creative and fun whilst working various muscle groups and getting a moderate level of cardiovascular exercise as well. Like other forms of exercise, gardening can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and keep away problems with heart disease, diabetes and other diseases related to inactivity and excess weight.
Previous entrants to the competition have gone on to make strong lasting friendships with other entrants.
Local businesses are encouraged to get involved. As well as entering the Premises category, companies can support Doncaster in Bloom by sponsoring one or more of the competition categories. Please use the contact details at the bottom.
If you have green fingers and would like to enter the competition, or if you would like to sponsor a category, please see below.
Categories
Certificates are awarded for the various categories, details below:
Category 1 - Best Garden
In this category, the judges assess the overall quality of the plants as well as the design and maintenance of the garden.
The category is split into 3 sub categories.
Category 1a - Entries are invited from all Private Residents.
Category 1b - Entries are invited from all St Leger Homes Tenants. Category sponsored by St Leger Homes.
Category 1c - Entries are invited from newcomers to the competition.
Category 2 - Best Display
This category is for containers of any shape or size that is used to create an interesting display. Additional points are awarded for originality!
The category is split into 2 sub categories.
Category 2a - Entries are invited from all Private Residents.
Category 2b - Entries are invited from all St Leger Homes Tenants. Category sponsored by St Leger Homes.
Category 3 - Premises
This category is for all business premises including shops, pubs, restaurants and hotels that have a horticultural delight which contributes to the attractiveness of the local area.
This category is split into 2 sub categories.
Category 3b - Entries are invited from all other types of Business.
Category 3a - Entries are invited from Businesses in Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality.
Category 4 - The Community Award
Category 4a - Local Group - In this category judges assess the use of plants, encouraging community involvement (two or more people), using environmentally friendly practices and initiatives that have been developed to promote and ensure cleanliness.
Category 4b - Community Champions - NEW in 2019. This category acknowledges the hard work and dedication of members of the public who carry out work which improves local areas for the benefit of the community whilst not necessarily involving planting and gardening.
Category 5 - Best Wildlife/Sustainable Garden
Category 6 - Schools
Category 7 - Unusual Container
Now is the time to get your creative thinking cap on and create a display out of something not usually used as a container for plants.
Voting for this category will commence after the judging process has been completed.
Category 8 - Allotment of the Year - Sponsored by Pleveys of Doncaster
This category is open to all allotments across the Doncaster Borough and has been running since 1975.
Open to all plot holders, big or small, whether part of an association or not. The emphasis is on produce with extra points awarded for attractiveness and environmental awareness.
Category 8a - Best Allotment - for established plots
Category 8b - Best New Allotment - for newcomers (less than 3 years)
Closing date
Unfortunately due to time constraints we are unable to hold the competition this year. Please see below for the results of a previous competition.
Enter Now
Entries for the 2024 competition will open in Spring 2024.
Judging
Judging takes place throughout the summer months and results are announced at a presentation evening in October, where all entrants will discover what award they have achieved and the winning entries are announced. Remember will be able to vote for your favourite unusual container using the VOTE NOW button link above once the judging has been completed.
Results
The results of a previous competition can be found on the link below.
Useful links
Downloads & Resources
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